Ocean Grove: A Waterfront Playground

Set on the Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove is located right on the waterfront. This Victorian holiday town has a small year-round population that increases substantially during the summer months. Because Ocean Grove is such a popular getaway base, there are a number of land and water activities to keep visitors entertained. Accommodation options are quite flexible, with luxury resorts dotting the coast, self-contained holiday homes and quaint, somewhat remote cottages.

Explore the Bellarine Peninsula

The area in which Ocean Grove lies is peppered with small towns, each with its own appeal; use Ocean Grove as your holiday base and set out on an adventure to discover the Bellarine Peninsula. For a day of family fun, pay a visit to Wallington’s Adventure Park, where kids and adults alike can splash about. This aquatic centre boasts waterslides and a lazy river, as well as dry rides in the amusement park section. Another family favourite can be found in Cobden, where the Miniature Railway will whisk children away on a train made just for them.

On an adult-only break? Take advantage of the Bellarine Taste Trail. This culinary adventure allows you to sample a variety of local wines at some of the best wineries on the peninsula. Itineraries are provided for those who are not familiar with the area. In addition to wineries, gourmet restaurants and cafes have been added on the tasting tour.

Sports Enthusiasts Rejoice

If you are a sports fanatic, there is always something to do in Ocean Grove. Head to Ocean Grove Golf Club and play a round or two. The course features 18 holes; however, during the summer months, a reconfiguration makes this a 12-hole course to better accommodate holidaymakers. Tennis players have access to Ocean Grove Tennis Club, where beginners and advanced players alike are welcome, thanks to the wide range of competition levels. Finally, the Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre provides a one-stop shop for swimming, football, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball and running.

Relax on the Beach

Ocean Grove offers a long beach that stretches all of the way to the mouth of the Barwon River. Its golden sands set the tone for a quiet day of relaxation, sunbathing on the shore while the waves crash in. The waters of Ocean Grove's main beach are favoured by surfers, with many wide breaks. Swimming is best done in the flagged areas only, and the beach is patrolled during the holiday months for extra safety. Fishing is welcome on Ocean Grove's beach, so bring along your pole. Body boarding, kayaking and other fun water sports allow you to get an adrenaline rush while out in the water.

Inland Attractions

Walk just a few blocks from the beach to enjoy one of the largest shopping centres in all of the Bellarine Peninsula. The electric mix of stores inside allows you to find exactly what you were looking for- or to find what you did not know you were looking for! There are many other shopping developments in town, as well as a variety of high-end restaurants. Some of these are set right on the water to provide a breathtaking backdrop for your meal. While away from the beach, do not forget to check out one of Ocean Grove's spas to get pampered before returning home.

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve

Make a daytrip out of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve. Be sure to pack your binoculars, as there are nearly 170 species of native birds living in the trees of the park. Get your daily exercise as you stroll along the well-maintained walkways and take in the beautiful flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you might even spot one of the many wildlife species that call Ocean Grove Nature Reserve home, with koalas, wallabies, snakes, lizards, possums and others all inhabiting the area.

Holidaying in Ocean Grove

Accessing Ocean Grove is simple, as the destination is just a short drive from Melbourne. The summertime is always busiest in Ocean Grove, so if you do not mind the crowd, head out for vibrant summer activities. However, the rest of the year remains quite comfortable and provides ample opportunities for fun with the family, on a friends’ retreat or couple’s getaway.

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